California Vacation Ideas for Families

1. Indian Wells - Miramonte Resort near Palm Springs - 2 hours from Los Angeles

Miramonte Resort & Spa is a Tuscan-style getaway, located in the desert town of Indian Wells, near Palm Springs. Miramonte features a spa , beautiful gardens and two outdoor pools with hot tubs and cabanas.

The resort has 215 guestrooms and suites situated in 14 Tuscan-style villas on 11 resort acres, surrounded by hotel gardens and the pool. If you are looking for luxury California vacations, this is a beautiful place to stay.

Natural water wells in the Palm Springs area have attracted travelers seeking rejuvenation to the California desert for generations. Play golf on nearby championship golf courses, visit the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, work out in the 24-hour fitness center at the resort, or go horseback riding, hot air ballooning and bicycling. There is also excellent shopping in Indian Wells or in Palm Springs.

45000 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells, CA 92210, Phone: 760-341-2200

2. Anaheim - Grand Legacy at the Park, a California Vacation Idea for Families

Grand Legacy at the Park is a lively and luxurious family-friendly hotel located across the street from Anaheim's Disneyland Resort theme park, in operation for more than four decades.

The resort allows guests to purchase single-day and Park Hopper tickets for both the Disneyland and Disney California Adventure theme parks, skipping the hassle of park lines in favor of the hotel's friendly customer service team.

Guest rooms and suites offer amenities such as microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and free wireless internet, with 24-hour laundry and dry cleaning services available.

There is a heated pool, a children's Splash Zone, and a rooftop restaurant and bar.

1650 S. Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802, Phone: 800-854-6097

3. Sausalito - Cavallo Point

Cavallo Point is a family-friendly getaway with a perfect view of The Golden Gate Bridge.

The hotel rooms and guest suites are located in two-story buildings that are environmentally sensitive and have green architecture, a gas fireplace, radiant heat floors, bamboo furniture and panoramic floor-to-celling windows.

All rooms also have a private entrance and some rooms have patios or decks. The 578-square-food Contemporary King Suite and the 478-square foot Contemporary Deluxe King offers views of the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.

If you are looking for Northern California family vacations, the Contemporary Two Queens room is ideal for families or groups of friends.

Get a signature massage or facial at the Healing Arts Center and Spa, which offers acupuncture, clinical massage, hypnotherapy, energy work and nutrition based healing. Take a hands-on or demonstrational cooking class at the 1,200-square-foot Cavallo Point Cooking School.

601 murray circle Fort baker, Sausalito, CA 94965, Phone: 888-651-2003

4. Claremont Club & Spa

Overlooking San Francisco Bay, like a grand old dame, Claremont Club & Spa reflects stylish grace and old-world charm. Colonial architecture, beautiful interiors and exquisite gardens echo the golden age of America’s Gold Rush and will take you on a luxurious sojourn back in time. This family-friendly hotel has three outdoor pools, over 60 fitness classes, a spa and Kids Club.

Guest rooms and suites feature elegant décor, spacious en-suite bathrooms and stunning views of the bay.

Unwind at the award-winning spa and salon, where you can treat your body to luxurious rejuvenation and relaxation on a truly royal scale.

Savor California cuisine and delicious cocktails at Limewood, Claremont’s award-winning restaurant, serving lunch, dinner and weekend brunch amid stunning Bay views.

41 Tunnel Road, Berkeley, California 94705, Phone: 510-843-3000

5. Hilton Checkers LA, CA with Kids

Hilton Checkers in Downtown Los Angeles has a stylish rooftop pool where you can relax and enjoy the view of the LA skyline. The hotel dates back to the 1920s with many of its historic features preserved.

The original hotel building houses 12 stories of luxurious rooms and suites.

The hotel is located in the city's business and financial districts and within walking distance of the theater and shopping in LA.

Local attractions include LA Live, the Music Center and The Staples Center. Checkers Spa is located at the very top of the hotel. Checker's Downtown restaurant serves California cuisine with French and Asian influences. Outdoor patio seating is perfect for an intimate meal or a cocktail. The private dining can accommodate up to 16 people. The Hilton Checkers hotel is located near the Convention Center and Staples Center.

535 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90071, Phone: 213-624-0000

6. El Capitan Canyon - 1 hour 45 minutes North of LA

El Capitan Canyon provides an easy way for families to experience nature in upscale cabins surrounded by a beautiful forest. This getaway is only a two-hour drive from Los Angeles. Cabins and tents are surrounded by 3,500 acres of hiking trails and a state beach. During the summer months, try ocean kayaking or take a surfing lesson.

All cabins have outdoor picnic table, wireless Internet access and direct dial telephones in case you need to keep in touch with your boss while on vacation. Upgrades such as fireplaces, whirlpool tubs and sleeping lofts are also available.

11560 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, California 93117, Phone: 805-685-3887

7. The Philo Apple Farm

The Philo Apple Farm is perfect for a relaxing getaway for those who want to connect with nature, pick fresh apples, and enjoy home-cooked meals. You can select between Stay & Cook rates and Just Stay rates, with the first one including three hands-on meals with wine, instruction, and recipes.

There are four guest cottages to select from, with the original one being located above the dining room and providing gorgeous views of the orchards, gardens, and hills.

Every guest cottage features a comfortable queen-sized bed, a large bathroom, and its own porch, but modern technology is limited as the farm is designed to take you away from everything so that you can connect with nature.

You can buy snacks or food to take home at the Farm Stand or take a stroll through the orchard where there are 1,700 trees. The dining room located in the main building is where you can enjoy breakfast and those who select Stay & Cook will get to prepare their own meals.

18501 Greenwood Rd, Philo, CA 95466, Phone: 707-895-2333

Check out this kid-friendly stop-motion video tour of California.

8. The Oasis at Death Valley - 4 hours 30 minutes from Los Angeles

The Oasis at Death Valley provides a great starting point for exploring Death Valley National Park. Families can choose from activities such as tennis, horseback riding, horse-drawn carriage rides, golf and spa treatments. There is a children's playground and spring-fed swimming pools.

The 224 room Furnace Creek Ranch is usually a better option for families than the historic 66 room Furnace Creek Inn. Deluxe rooms at Furnace Creek Ranch have small patios or balconies. Ask about California vacation packages.

Death valley National Park. Highway 190, California 92328, Phone: 800-236-7916, Video

9. Montage Resort in Laguna Beach

Montage Resort & Spa located in Laguna Beach, offers vacation activities for all ages. Whether your family enjoys swimming, kayaking or hiking, the area offers something for everyone. For the younger guests, Montage has a children's club designed for children 5-12 years old where kids can engage in arts, crafts, games and activities such as cooking, hiking, and fishing in the kids pool.

On Saturday evenings, the resort organizes the Kids Night Out, giving you the opportunity to enjoy that romantic dinner you've been planning. During the holidays, special events are organized by the resort, including the Kids Spa Day, Kids Cooking Corner, Garden Tea Party, Wiggle Workouts and Sandcastles Extravaganza.

30801 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, California 92651, Phone: 949-715-6000

10. La Costa Resort and Spa - 1 hours 30 minutes from LA

La Costa Resort and Spa features new splash Landing pools and waterslides, including three pools, three waterslides, a waterplay zone and the Splash Cafe. The height requirement for the two large waterslides is 48" and the height requirement for the smaller waterslide is 36." However, small children have their own sandy beach pool. Visit Carlsbad Beach, just five minutes from the resort. This is one of the top beaches in California, great for swimming and surfing. The resort offers a shuttle to the beach in the summer. Kids ages 6-12 can take their first surfing lesson at the Half-Day Surf Camp, offered seasonally by La Costa.

2100 Costa Del Mar Road, Carlsbad, California 92009, Phone: 760-438-9111